Vanek Named NHL’s First Star of the Week

Thomas Vanek’s name is finding itself mentioned among some of the Sabres’ most elite after the performances he has been putting on this season.

He has tallied a point on over two-thirds of all goals scored by Buffalo and has had two five-point games thus far, a feat that past-Sabre superstars have accomplished (Lafontaine and Mogilny being the last to have multiple five-point games in one season).

Around the NHL in the past, Vanek has been known as a goal scorer and the top sniper on the team, but it’s becoming evident this year that he has top-notch hands and isn’t afraid to rack up helpers.

Leading to his selection as the First Star of the NHL for the week ending February 3rd were four games in which he scored five goals and totaled nine points. He’s had a point in every game he’s played in this season, and leads the league in points (19), assists (tied at 11), and is one behind Patrick Marleau’s nine goals for leading goal scorer.

The Buffalo Sabres have a legitimate top line, and hope their secondary scoring and defense will be able to change their 3-5-1 ways of late. The Sabres travel to Scotiabank Place in Ottawa to take on the Senators Tuesday night.